Brad Beck on judging the Billabong Pro 2012

Now that's a view...

Local Brad Beck landed himself one of the sweetest holiday jobs in town - judging the Billabong Pro at JBay last week. Not a kak way to earn some coin sitting in the tower watching some of the world's best surfers take apart one of the world's best waves in some cooking conditions. We caught up with Brad to find out a bit more about it:

"Pretty sure it’s everyone’s dream to surf like a pro at Jbay when it's cooking. Some are lucky enough.  I was lucky enough to spot and judge in the tower. 

Even when we have a local contest or SA champs, it is always very well organised. But when we speak about professional surfing, as it is the highest form of surfing the same also goes for the organising of the event. Infrastructure, food, sponsors, you name it. Only the best.

It all starts with a special sticker...which lets you drive straight into Pepper Street! We were lucky enough to stay in Pepper Street itself, right opposite the judging tower. Wake up and walk straight into the tower!

The tower is 3 stories high and you can see anything and everything. The best view in the house by far. We were given clothes vouchers, chow, Monster and a free 5fm music ticket, so we were rolling high class!

People come all over the world for this world class wave. What better view than to see this wave lining up at 4 to 6ft down the line with as many as up to 8 or 9 waves in a set - each line of swell waiting to reach the reef, wall and then pit.  Watching this go down from the tower was epic in itself....and then to see the pros surf this wave and get barreled like they did was something I’ll never forget.

So thanks to Billabong and ASP Africa for the opportunity and hope to be part of it again next year!"

Shot Brad - good judging too. Next stop ASP??

Brad's office for the week